Tsunami threat passes in Philippines and Indonesia after powerful quake, warning agency says

The Philippines is especially vulnerable to natural disasters as it sits on a very active part of the Earth’s tectonic system, known as the “Ring of Fire” – so called because of the high number of earthquakes and volcanoes that occur there.

“We understand that Filipinos are now experiencing disaster fatigues from typhoons, volcanic minor eruptions and earthquakes. We asked them not to feel fearful,” said Dr Teresito Bacolol of the Philippines Volcanic agency in a press conference on Friday.

“We have to prepare ourselves. We have to accept our reality that the Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – that every now and then we will be jolted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Instead of panicking, we have to prepare.”

The ring marks a zone of intense volcanic and seismic activity, which tends to occur along the edges of major tectonic plates – massive slabs of rock that form the Earth’s surface.

These plates are constantly moving, resulting in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Philippines, in particular, is located at the convergence of several major tectonic plates.